The Scottish SPCA has reported a surge in unwanted cats and kittens, with 44 homeless felines currently in the care of the charity’s centre in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity is appealing to anyone thinking of taking on a cat or kitten to consider rehoming a rescue pet.
Superintendent Sharon Comrie said, “Our centre is full of unwanted, abandoned and neglected cats right now and we are taking in more every day.
“Some are expectant mothers and others are still nursing their kittens meaning they can’t be rehomed yet and many of our cattery spaces are filled on a medium to long-term basis.
“Others are under veterinary treatment and aren’t fit and healthy enough to leave us just yet so this makes it all the more important for us to find loving owners for the cats who are available and ready to be rehomed.
“We have lots of cats who are longing to find their forever homes and, although we have great facilities and dedicated staff at our rescue centres, it’s a shame to see them living in a cattery when they could be enjoying life with a family.”
Superintendent Comrie said there are a number of issues causing the increase. “Often it’s due to a change in the owner’s circumstances, with one of the most common reasons being they are moving into rented accommodation where they aren’t allowed to keep pets”, she said.
“Financial difficulties are also a factor, with many people not being able to afford vet bills or the general costs required in caring for any animal.
“Another problem is cats not being neutered, resulting in unwanted litters of kittens some owners don’t want to keep or find homes for.
“That’s why every cat we rehome is neutered, subject to veterinary advice. We also offer free neutering if cats are too young to be neutered when they leave our care.
“We really hope people considering taking on a cat will come along to our centre and meet the many fantastic felines in our care who are waiting for a second chance.”
People can also visit scottishspca.org/rehoming or call the charity’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
